Minimizing Energy Use and GHG Emissions of Lift Stations Utilizing Real-Time Pump Control Strategies

Wastewater collection system lift station operations require a substantial amount of energy, and can be as a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for wastewater utilities. Many lift stations operate with local or basic controls that have no hydraulic relationship with other collection system lift stations. This study demonstrated a unique energy-efficient control method of lift station operation that utilizes hydraulic modeling results generated from site-specific conditions to optimize the pumping units and reduce simultaneous running cycles on a real time basis. The pilot tests conducted at two pilot areas of the wastewater collection system of a utility in Florida demonstrated that the energy savings obtained through such operational optimization was 14 to 17% for the two pilot areas investigated. The study demonstrated that substantial annual energy costs and GHG emissions reduction could be achieved utilizing this method, particularly for utilities located in flat geographic locations where hundreds of lift stations are required to transfer wastewater.